For 17-year-old Suos Vichera, the prospect of a public bus system in Phnom Penh would be a welcome one.

“Having a public bus service could allow Phnom Penh to have a much better environment, and would allow many people who take motorbikes or cars to ride the bus instead,” she said.

Many other Phnom Penh residents may agree, according to a new report.

In a study published in the latest volume of the journal Asian Transport Studies, researchers Ung Meng Hong and Kasem Choocharukul surveyed 337 randomly selected Phnom Penh residents on their interest in a public bus system for the capital.

Four hypothetical bus lines in central Phnom Penh were proposed in the survey: one stretching from the Japanese Friendship Bridge to the southern end of Monivong Boulevard; one spanning the length of Mao Tse Tung Boulevard; one connecting Phnom Penh International Airport with Kampuchea Krom and Monireth boulevards; and one travelling in a rectangular loop around Norodom, Sihanouk, Nehru and Russian Federation boulevards.

Some 72 percent of respondents said they would switch to busing from their existing mode of transport if fares were set at a flat rate of 900 riels (US$0.22), the report said. A total of 52 percent said they would switch given 1,200-riel fares, while 36 percent would switch if fares cost 1,500 riels.

“Survey results indicate that the potential demand for such a service is remarkably high,” the researchers concluded, adding that further study was necessary to assess logistics and economic feasibility.

Prior bus plansPhnom Penh Municipal Governor Kep Chuktema said in 2009 that the city hoped to establish a public bus system within five years in a bid to ease traffic congestion in the capital.

He estimated at the time that between 300 and 400 new motorbikes were hitting Phnom Penh’s streets every month.

However, municipal cabinet chief Ly Saveth said today that he knew of no plans for a public bus system before hanging up on a reporter.

In 2001, the municipality and the Ho Wah Genting Transport firm signed a contract allowing the company to provide bus services within the city.

Initially, bus fares were set at 500 riels per trip, though they were later raised to 800 riels.

The service proved popular, attracting more than 5,000 passengers daily before passengers tapered off to between 2,500 and 3,000 per day.

After a month-long trial period, however, the project was shut down due to lack of funding, as the company said it could not afford to keep fares low in the absence of government subsidies.

Vorn Pao, president of the Independent Democracy of Informal Economy Association, a group that represents moto-taxi and tuk-tuk drivers, said he would support a public bus system for the capital, provided other means of transport were given the chance to compete.

“If there is a public bus system, the authorities should not discriminate against tuk-tuks and moto-taxis.

“They should allow us all to park in public areas,” Vorn Pao said.

Phnom Penh resident Keo Tharo, 29, said he would happily take the bus to work because it would likely allow him to save money.

He added, however, that such a system may not be feasible given current traffic conditions.

“If there are still traffic jams like today, there will be no room for the bus,” Keo Thara said.

“People will think their own vehicles are faster.”

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Over 20 hotels under construction with more than 60,000 rooms, Shopping Centers, Entertainment Facilities and Casinos.

This is excellent news, a bus services servicing those routes are the most ideal choice.

I sort of disagree with one of the comment.

“They should allow us all to park in public areas,” Vorn Pao said.

They have always park randomly, blocking driveway and traffics.

1000 riels is a a fair price, what is the average Tuk tuk fare, it should be compariable to those. Moto-tuk must be phrase out or stay out of CBD area. and all these small business selling cakes or noodles must not under any circumstance do its businsess on the road, and their customer must also not be on the road when making purchase.

But again, the bus service can not be reliable unless the cars and other drivers follow traffic rules.

__________________Your brain has two parts: the left and the right. the left gets nothing right, and the right has nothing left.

One of the basic differences between God and humans is, God gives, gives and forgives, Humans gets, gets and forgets.

this project wont happen coz its too costy and fares are too low, in Australia one bus trip cost about $2 and still the bus companies dont make profit they get subsidised by the government

In Sydney, they have to used air conditioned bus worth something like 1 million dollar and bus driver probably want to be pay $20ph +super +workcover +etc. Also, to ensure quality of services, they have to run lots of routes that has very little people.

In Phnom Penh, they will used 10y+ buses Korea/US give away, (or pay next to nothing), and the bus drivers will be lucky to get 2000riels ph.

Maintanence cost in Sydney (due to labour and replacement parts cost) will be at least 20x more. fuel also cost more in Sydney, but since they are probably running LPG or more efficient bus, it may end up to be cheaper.

It is very difficult to compare the running cost of the two. I do believe in Sydney, if you on average get 1/3 full load, you will make money, in Phnom Penh, it should not be difficult to get at least 1/2 full, and since there is people everywhere, every route should be profitable.

The major concern is the buses are slow because of other drivers breaking traffics rules, and people still perfer to use mototuk, etc.

__________________Your brain has two parts: the left and the right. the left gets nothing right, and the right has nothing left.

One of the basic differences between God and humans is, God gives, gives and forgives, Humans gets, gets and forgets.

The Process of Finding A Competence Partner on Public Bus
Monday, 23 Jan 2012 15:41
KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA
Nation Religion King

The Phnom Penh Capital Hall
Phnom Penh, January 23, 2012
ANNOUNCEMENT
The Result of Shortlisted Proposal for Public Transport in Phnom Penh

Reference: - Letter No. 358 សជណ dated on March 24, 2011 of the Council of Ministers.
- Announcement dated on May 24, 2011 of the Capital Hall
- Announcement dated on June 30, 2011 of the Capital Hall

The Capital Hall would like to inform the public that after we had made two announcements to seek for private companies to invest on public transport (City Bus) in Phnom Penh, we received 7 proposals from vairous companies.

After the special working team has conducted detail study on submitted proposals, only 4 companies provided a completed "checked-list" documents required, and those were shortlisted are: Global (Cambodia) Trade Development, Co., Ltd, The City Trans Cambodia, Ashok Leyland Co. Ltd and ABEFIS Co. Ltd.

As part of the plan, the working team will continue conducting its detailed study on the project and coopertively work with those 4 companies in order to select the company which would be considered as the best partner. The Capital hall is looking forward to finding a company with experienced, a strong commitment and full of capability in running this business of public transport successfully.

Glad to hear that Most importantly, the government must design a proper subsidy scheme to encourage more people taking the bus

I think it should have many lines to go everywhere in Phnom Penh territory and suburban area around PP and set the minimum price for the poor to access .. Bus is for low n middle class only so price must be low too. 10 years Ago bus operation was failure because it had only few lines and motor dup at that time was the fast n easiest transportation for our people ... I still have a positive view with this plan and also am trusted on our government to achieve this goal. If there is. A bus everywhere and Tram where my office is located , I will sell off my car and take then instead hahaha cos it saves much for me :$

I think 1000 riel per ticket is affordable to many of the middle and middle-lower class citizens

Yes sure.. From my house near santhormok to riverside, it costs me 5000 riel by motordup ... So it is acceptable but make sure that bus road is faster than motordup we should make one lane for bus to drive only so there will be fast